Hal Ashby - The Last Detail (1973), 5/10

It is astounding that Robert Towne wrote the screenplay for The Last Detail just before Chinatown. There is nothing particularly wrong with The Last Detail, especially in its script, but it is a simple, cute story that precedes an intricate narrative masterpiece, perhaps limited by its source material. It is in contrast elevated by Nicholson, Young, and Quaid, who all bring appropriate energy and warmth to their characters in what amounts to a rather simple comedy topped off by a tragic bon-voyage for the young Mule. The film carries a lighthearted air that gives it a particular appeal, but it fails to communicate anything special or unique. The Marine officer who combats Badass and Mule only to be humbled, for example, feels utterly unnatural and unnecessary, similar to several lengthy sequences during the middle act of the picture. Still a nice little story that lets the trio bounce off of one another and comically entertain for its full length. Nicholson is unsurprisingly the most interesting and funny of the bunch, providing more laughs and shudders than any other by a mile, and further characteristically dominating the screen throughout. Otis Young is great in his supporting role, however, with simple retorts that provide quick entertaining quotables such as “I hate this fuckin' chicken shit detail!”. The Last Detail is worth its time and earns plenty of laughs.